Chic Cheap Coats

Despite the fact that we southern belles only experience about five days of legit coat weather, we still like to make sure we are stocked up on the most fashionable cold weather attire, and I want to make sure you can fill your closet without emptying your wallet.  So to save you time and money I did a little research to finding great savings on cute, name brand coats.

First stop: Ross Dress for Less. Just check out these steals I found!

This chic, wool peacoat is by Calvin Klein.  It's an eggplant purple with a two tier skirted bottom for only  $74.99!

This XOXO puff coat is super stylish with it's faux fur trim on the hood and gold buckled belt.  

Only $24.99!!!

This faux leather jacket is by Paper Denim and Cloth jacket is originally priced at $110 but you can get it at Ross for only $22.99!

If you think I was able to walk out empty handed, think again!  I got a steal on this black, wool, double breasted dress coat by Guess for only $63.99!

Next Stop: 1/2 of 1/2 Name Brand Clothes.

I have to admit that I was skeptical of going to this store.  But now that I have, I know it's a place I will be checking often for great deals.  Just be aware that the majority of the store's merchandise is damaged. However, I was able to find great deals on name-brand items for great prices.  Just check out these coats I found, none of which were damaged or flawed.

This whit puff coat is by Ellen Tracy and only $35!!

Another Ellen Tracy, this leopard print trench coat had an original price tag of $190, but 1/2 of 1/2 has it for $39!

This Columbia coat, originally $230, is marked down to $49!!!

This DKNY long wool dress coat is only $89!

1/2 of 1/2 also had 100% leather coats for great prices!  I also found labels such as James Perse, Rachel Roy, Sue Wong, BCBG, Michael Stars and many, many more!  If you do decide to drop by 1/2 of 1/2, be aware that it truly is a treasure hunt!  I had to look at a lot of less-than-attractive merchandise to find these rubies!  

To see more coats I found, check out: http://www2.snapfish.com/snapfish/thumbnailshare/AlbumID=8375379013/a=129067433_129067433/otsc=SHR/otsi=SALBlink/COBRAND_NAME=snapfish/

Happy Hunting!

Journey down Highway 49

Have you ever traveled down Highway 49 from Jackson to Hattiesburg?  With all the junk yards and antique stores galore, I think it would be the Picker Sister's, who love to turn junk into great looking furniture, dream come true. Usually, I try to visit as many of these little shops as a day will allow.  On my most recent trip, though, I focused more on finding good fashion deals.

My first stop, which was inspired by a video that I saw on iShopMS.org, was in Mendenhall, Mississippi.  The store is called Rockin' M Ranchwear, and although it does stock boots and cowboy hats, it is more of a boutique or gift shop than anything else.  On the iShopMS video, the style guru showed a gray cotton dress (that was nothing special) that the store sold for $80!  After seeing that, I had to check this place out to make sure that it had something other than over-priced dresses.  And lucky for you and me, it does!

This hobo look alike in a perfect fall color was only $5!

These adorable shorts were on sale for $16!  Add some tights and boots and you have a great fall look!

This funky little tunic would look great with black skinny jeans and boots and it's only $15! Originally  marked for $48.

So if you ever find yourself in Mendenhall, MS go ahead and drop on in to Rockin' M and see what kind of deals you find!

The next place I stopped is an all-time favorite of mine:  United Apparel Liquidators (UAL) located at 1829 Hardy Street in Hattiesburg, Mississippi.  If you have always envied people who could afford the name brands at Maison Weiss, your green, jelly-bellied self will be tickled pink to discover the variety of high-fashion brands at reasonably discounted prices awaiting you at UAL.  Included among the fabulous finds are Vera Wang, Cynthia Steffe, Juicy Couture, and Burberry. 

This sweet dress with pockets is Twelfth Street by Cinthia Steefe and is only $79.99!

This fun Marc Jacobs dress made out of 100% silk was originally $568 but at UAL you can get it for   $170.99!

For you Tory Burch fanatics out there this beautiful sequined dress has the retail value of $695 but at UAL it's only $149.99!

Check out these other UAL locations to find one that you can visit ASAP for more great deals and fashion finds!

-Nashville, TN           2918 West End Avenue

-New Orleans, LA     518 Chartres Street

-Covington, LA         2033 North Highway 190, Suite 1

               

     Or, visit www. ShopUAL.com.

UAL also carries shoes, jewelry, belts, bags, wallets, and beauty products.

I walked out with this stunning necklace for only $29.99!

So, next time you are headed down Highway 49, leave early enough to check out these stores.  Or, if you just need a weekend getaway with retail therapy at a good price, head down to Hattiesburg and make sure to check out the TJ Maxx and Hudson’s for other great savings!

Until next time...HAPPY HUNTING!

Intro to Bargain Shopping

Have you ever looked up the word "shopping" in the dictionary?  Well I did, and here's what I found:
verb (shop-ping)
       1. to go to a store or stores to buy goods    
       2. to look for the best available price or rate for something (shop around)


Upon reading this I realized that it breaks my heart a little to know that people just follow definition #1 without even considering #2.  To me, #1 is boring and kind of a waste of money, while #2 is like an adventure, essentially- a treasure hunt!


I love a good deal and in todays economy who doesn't?  But unfortunately, people tell me all the time that they just don't get lucky finding things like me.  Well, I say it's not about luck.  Bargain shopping is an art and this blog is to teach you how to become an artist.


Bargain Shopping Rule #1:  Go with an open mind.
I think the biggest mistake people make who try bargain shopping is looking for something specific.  Finding a bargain is about having an open mind and letting yourself be surprised by what you find.


Bargain Shopping Rule #2: Know your merchandise.
Many people complain that they don't have time to 'shop around' but if you know that TJ Maxx carries the same hair products your salon sells why spend the extra $$ at the salon?


Bargain shopping does involve some research and if you are on a hunt for something in particular it may take some time to shop around and find it, but if you are familiar with what bargain shops are out there you can quickly become familiar with their merchandise.

                                                 My favorite Bargain stores  (in no particular order)


TJ Maxx- I can't tell you how many times I have heard people say, "I just don't get it."  What's not to get?!?!  TJ Maxx sells designer labels for a fraction of what department stores sell the exact same items for.


Marshalls- Similar to TJ Maxx but has a larger shoe selection.


Ross Dress for Less- less merchandise to choose from than TJ's or Marshalls but has better prices.


Target- makes deals with top designers to produce a line for their store.  I have found most of their clothes to be pretty well made and a great fit!  Don't forget to check their sale racks!


Tuesday Mornings- not my choice for clothes, but for housewares, crafts, and toys it's great.  They also occasionally get in really nice designer handbags. 


Hudsons- for people who enjoy digging through junk to find a diamond in the rough.  The merchandise is sometime damaged and it's very hit or miss but I love it all the same!  


These are just a few tips of the trade, I'll be back to share more later but for now,  I'll send you on your way to great money saving finds.  Please make sure you share them with me! (If you are a first timer, I recommend trying TJ's first.) 


Happy Hunting!